Narrow your choices

Any deal is only as good as the vehicle you're buying. Do your homework now to avoid buyer remorse down the road

Look for models that have done well in our road tests and have high Ratings in reliability, safety, owner cost, and owner satisfaction.

Some recommended 2009 models that have offered incentives in recent months are the Chevrolet Avalanche, Ford Escape, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Elantra, and Toyota Camry. Check for our latest list of best new-car deals. See our vehicle Ratings in the April 2009 issue and in our monthly road tests.

Once you've settled on a few promising models, visit the automakers' Web sites to review the trim level, powertrain, and features you want. We recommend getting proven life-saving safety features including electronic stability control, curtain air bags, and antilock brakes.

Expert tip

Often you have to choose between incentives, such as a rebate or low-interest financing. Crunch the numbers both ways with one of our free calculators to determine what will save you the most money.

Expert tip

You can often get a good discount on a vehicle left over from the previous model year, but it will depreciate like a year-old model. At resale or trade-in time, it will have a value similar to that of other vehicles of that model year, even though you bought it later.

Expert tip

Because the Pontiac brand is being phased out, there probably will be a steep drop in the resale value of its models. This will have the most effect on owners who keep their cars for only a few years. If you keep yours a long time, such depreciation is not a big concern.